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I  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY,  | 
I  Princeton,  N.  J.    <^-^  -^ 


«^ 


^      Bequeathed  by  the  Hon.  E.  BOUDINOT,  LL.D.     ^ 


K5ir;C.u.os.>^-iL. 
(Jfl.se f    Division  .. 

f^Jicff^  Sec+ion 


Jt(POh„   ,, 

^  No,  ^. 


ACTS 


AND 


PROCEEDINGS 


OF  THE 


GENERAL  ASSEMBLY 


OF  THE 


PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH, 


^ntteU  g)tate0  of  amertca^ 


IN    THE    YEAR     1801. 


PHILADELPHIA  : 

PRINTED  Br  R.  AITKEN,  N^  aa. 
Market  Street. 


180I. 


ACTS,  &c. 


May  lift,   1 80 1. 

1  HE  General  Affembly  of  the  Prerbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  met  agreeably  to  appointment,  in 
the  Firft  Prefbyterian  Church  in  the  City  of  Philadelphia,  at  1 1 
o'clock  A.  M.  and  was  opened  with  afermon  by  the  Revd.  Jofeph 
Clark,  the  Moderator  of  the  laft  AfTcmbly,  from  Matt,  xxviii.  18, 
19,  20.  v/«</  yesus  came  J  and  spake  unto  th^m,  saying.  All  poiu- 
er  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  in  earth.  Go  ye  therefore  and 
ttach  all  nations,,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father^  and 
of  the  Son^  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  Teaching  them  to  observe  all 
thlngt  ivhatsoevcr  I  have  commanded  you  ;  and  lo,  I  am  with  you 
nlivay  even  ,mlo  the  end  of  the  ivorld. 

After  prayer  the  comm.iflions  were  read,  when  it  appeared  that 
the  following  perfons  were  duly  appointed  commiflioners  to  this 
Affembly,  viz. 

1.  Of  the  Prcfbytery  of  Albany,  the  Revd.  Dr.  Jonathan  Ed- 
wards,  the  Revd.  Peter  Firti,  and  Mr.  Ifaac  Button,  Elder. 

2.  Of  the  Prefhytery  of  Hudfon,  the  Revd.  Nathan  Kerr,  and 
Jonathan  Freeman  ;  Elder,  Dr.  Jonathan  Sweezy. 

3.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  Long  Ifland,  the  Rev.  David  S.  Bor 
gart,  and  Herman  Dagget. 

4.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  Nev  York,  the  Revd.  Dr.  John 
M* Knight,.  Samuel  Miller,  Afa  Hillyer,' and  Amzi  Armftrong; 
Elders,  Meflrs.  Preferve  Riggs,  Ephraim  Sayre,  Benjamin  Egr 
bert,  and  John  Bingham. 

5.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  New  Brunfwick,  the  Revd.  Dr.  John 
Woodhull,  Jofeph  Clark,  William  Boyd,  and  Jofeph  Rue  ;  El- 
ders, Meflrs.  John  Bayard,  Thomas  Henderfon,  David  Bifhop, 
and  John  Muirhead. 

6.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  Philadelphia,  the  Revd.  Nathanael 
Irwin,  James  Boyd,  Dr.  Aflibel  Green,  and  William  Lattaj^ 


(     4     ) 

Elders,  Meflrs.  Hugh  Henry,  Ebenezer  Hazard,  David  Cloyd, 
and  Jofeph  Brewfter. 

7.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  New  Caftle,  the  Revd.  John  E.  Latta, 
John  Collins,  and  William  Arthur ;  Elders,  Meflrs.  Ebenezer 
Rothwell,  and  George  M*Ilwainc. 

8.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  Carlifle,  the  Revd.  Robert  Cathcart, 
Nathanael  R.  Snowden,  John  Linn,  and  Dr.  Robert  Cooper  ; 
Elder,  Mr.  Mofes  Gilmore. 

9.  Of  the  Prefljytery  of  Lewis,  the  Revd.  John  B.  Slemons  ; 
Elder,  Mr.  John  Moore. 

10.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  Baltimore,  the  Revd.  Dr.  Patrick 
Allifon  ;  Elder,  Mr.  Andrew  Jamefon. 

11.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  Huntingdon,  the  Revd.  John  B. 
Patterfon. 

12.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  Winchefter,  the  Revd.  Nafh  Lc 
Grand. 

13.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  Redftone,  the  Revd.  Jofeph  Hender, 
fon,  and  John  Black. 

14.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  Ohio,  the  Revd.  John  M'Millan, 
John  Brice,  John  Watfon,  and  William  Wood. 

15.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  Lexington,  the  Revd.  Robert  Lo- 
gan. 

16.  Of  the  Prefbytery  of  Hanover,  the  Revd.  Archibald 
Alexander. 

17.  Of  the  firfl  Prefbytery  of  South  Carolina,  the  Revd.  James 
White  Stevenfon. 

The  Revd.  Samuel  Blatchford,  paftor  of  the  church  of  Strat- 
field,  in  the  State  of  Connedicut,  exhibited  a  certificate  of  his 
appointment,  as  a  delegate  from  the  General  AfTociation  of  Con- 
necticut to  this  Aflembly ;  which  being  read  and  approved,  he 
took  his  feat  accordingly. 

The  AfTembly  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  Moderator  and 
Clerks  ;  when  the  Revd.  Nathanael  Irwin  was  chofen  Moderator, 
and  the  Revd.  Robert  Cathcart  and  Samuel  Miller  were  chofen 
Clerks. 

The  Revd.  Benjamin  Grigfby  of  the  Prefbytery  of  Lexington, 
the  Revd.  Mofes  Hoge,  of  the  Prefbytery  of  Winchefter,  and 
Mr.  William  Montgomery,  a  ruling  Elder  of  the  Prefbytery  of 
Huntingdon,  produced  their  commifTions  rerpeflively  as  delegates 
to  this  AfTembly  ;  which  being  read  were  approved,  and  they  took 
their  feats  accordingly. 

The  delegates  appointed  by  the  lafl  AfTembly  to  attend  the  Ge- 
neral AfTociation  of  the  State  of  Connefticut,  made  their  report, 
which  v/as  read  as  follows,  viz. 


(     5     ) 

"  The  delegates  from  the  General  Aflembly  to  the  General  Af- 
fociation  of  Connedicut,report,that  they  have  attended  according  to 
appointment  through  the  whole  courfe  of  the  fefiions  of  the  General 
Aflbciation.  That  befidcs  the  bufmefs  peculiar  to  the  churches 
of  Connedicut,  the  General  Aflbciation  appointed  a  committee  to 
confer  with  a  committee  that  may  be  appointed  by  the  General 
AiTembly,  on  meafures  which  may  promote  union  among  the  in- 
habitants of  the  new  fettlements  and  the  miffionaries  to  thofe  fet- 
tlements,  as  appears  by  the  inclcfed  paper.  The  General  Aflbci- 
ation alfo  voted  that  inftrudtions  be  given  by  the  truftees  of  the 
Miflionary  Society,  to  their  niiflionaries,  to  avoid  every  thing  that 
may  interupt  peace  in  the  new  fettlements  among  thofe  that  are 
attached  to  the  prefbyterian  and  congregational  forms  of  govern- 
ment. 

The  Affociation  eftablifhed  the  following  regulations  refpefting 
the  reception  of  foreign  minifters  into  their  churches  :  That  faid 
minifters  fhall  exhibit  proper  credentials  of  their  good  charader 
and  authority  to  preach  the  gofpel,  before  they  are  permitted  to 
preach  in  their  pulpits — That  they  be  examined  as  to  their  ortho- 
doxy and  literature,  before  they  are  introduced  into  vacancies — 
That  they  fhall  continue  for  a  year  under  the  care  of  one  of  their 
Aflbciations,  or  fomebody  in  connexion  with  the  General  AfTocia- 
lion,  and  then  go  through  the  ufual  trials  before  they  be  inflalled 
or  ordained. 

The  General  Affociation  have  appointed  the  Revd.  Seth  Willif- 
ton  as  a  Itatcd  mifTionary,  to  be  employed  one  half  of  his  time  at 
Union,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  and  the  other  half  as  an  itine- 
rant preacher  in  the  adjacent  parts. 

In  confequence  of  an  enquiry,  very  agreeble  accounts  were  re- 
ceived of  the  revival  of  religion  in  various  parts  of  the  State,  and 
of  the  general  peace  of  the  churches. 

They  appointed  as  delegates  to  the  next  General  AfTembly,  the 
Revd.  John  Smally,  Levi  Hart,  and  Samuel  Elatchford. 

The  next  General  Affociation  is  to  meet  at  Litchfield,  at  the 
houfe  of  the  Revd.  Daniel  Huntington,  on  the  third  Tuefday  of 
June  next,  at  1 1  o'clock  a.  m. 

Your  delegates  farther  report,  that  they  were  received  and  treat- 
ed with  exceeding  great  cordiality  and  chriflian  friendfhip,  and  that 
the  affociation  expreffed  high  fatisfadtion  with  the  connexion  fub- 
fifling  between  themfelves  and  the  General  Aflembly  of  the  Pref- 
byterian  church,  and  believed  that  it  would  have  a  happy  tenden- 

to  promote  the  intereft  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom. 

JONATHAN  EDWARDS, 
ASA  HILLYER, 
JONATHAN  FREEMAN." 


(     6     ) 

A  communication  was  read  from  the  General  AfTociatbn  of" 
the  State  of  Conne6ticut,  appointing  a  committee  to  confer  with 
a  committee  of  the  Prelbyterian  Church,  to  confider  the  mea- 
fures  proper  to  be  adopted  by  the  General  Affociation  and  the  Ge- 
neral Affembly,  for  eftablifhing  an  uniform  fyftem  of  church  go- 
vernment, between  the  inhabitants  of  th?  new  fettlenients  who  are 
attached  to  the  Prefbyterian  form  of  government  and  thpfe  who 
prefer  the  congregational  form. 

Ordered  that  the  faid  commHnication  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Revd.  Doftors  Edwards,  M* Knight  and  Woodhull,  th,e 
Rcvd.  Mr.  Blatchford  and  Mr.  Hutton  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee, to  confider  and  digefl:  a  plan  of  government  for  the  churches 
in  the  new  fettlements,  agreeably  to  the  propofal  of  the  General 
Aflbciation  of  Connedicut,  and  report  the  fame  as  foon  as  con- 
venient. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  confider  and  digeft 
a  plan  of  government  for  the  churches  in  the  new  fettlements, 
was  taken  up  and  confidered,  and  a,fter  mature  deliberation  on  th,e 
fame,  approved,  as  follows: 

"  Regulations  adopted  by  the  General  Affembly  of  the  Prefby- 
terian Church  in  America,  and  by  the  General  AfTociation  of  the 
State  of  Connedicut  (provided  faid  Aflbciation  agree  to  them) 
with  a  view  to  prevent  alienation  and  proipote  union  and  harmony, 
in  thofe  new  fettlements  which  are  compofed  of  inhabitants  from 
thefe  bodies. 

I  ft.  It  is  ftridly  enjoined  on  all  their  miflionaries  to  the  new  fei- 
tlemenis,  to  endeavour,  by  all  proper  mciins,  to  promote  mutual 
forbearance  and  accommodation,  between  thofe  inhabitants  of  the 
new  fettlements  who  hold  the  prefbyterian  and  thofe  who  hold  the 
congregational  form  of  church  government. 

ad.  If  in  the  new  fettlements,  any  church  of  the  congregation- 
al order  (hall  fettle  a  minifter  of  the  prelbyterian  order,  that 
church  may,  if  tliey  choofe,  ftill  condud  their  difciphne  accord- 
ing to  congregational  principles,  fettling  their  difficulties  among 
themfelves,  or  by  a  council  mutually  agreed  upon  for  that  purpofe: 
But  if  any  difficulty  fhall  exifl:  between  the  minifter  and  the  church 
or  any  member  of  it,  it  fliall  be  referred  to  the  Prefbytery  to  which 
the  minifter  fhall  belong,  provided  both  parties  agree  to  it,  if  not, 
to  a  council  confiding  of  an  equal  number  of  prefbyterians  and 
congregationalifts,  agreed  upon  by  both  parties. 

3d-  If  a  prefbyterian  church  fhall  fettle  a  minifter  of  congrega- 
tional principles,  that  church  may  ftill  condud  their  difcipline  ac- 
cording to  prefbyterian  principles,  excepting  that  if  a  difficulty 
ari^e  between  him  and  his  church,  or  any  member  of  it,  the  caufe 
fhall  be  tried  by  the  Aflipciation,  to  which  the  faid  minifter  fhall 


(     7     ) 

belong,  provided  both  parties  agree  to  it,  otherwife  by  a  "coiincilj 
one  half  congregationalifts  and  the  other  half  prefbyterians,  mutu- 
ally agreed  on  by  the  parties. 

4th.  If  any  congregation  confift  partly  of  thofe  who  hold  the 
congregational  form  of  difcipline  and  partly  of  thofe  who  hold  the 
prefbyterian  form ;  we  recommend  to  both  parties,  that  this  be  no 
obftru(ftion,  to  their  \initing  in  one  church  and  fettling  a  minifter: 
and  that  in  this  cafe,  the  church  choofe  a  ftanding  committee  from 
the  communicants  of  faid  church,  whofe  bufinefs  it  fhall  be,  to  call 
to  account  every  member  of  the  church,  who  fhall  condud  him- 
felf  inconfiftently  with  the  laws  of  chriftianity,  and  to  give  judg- 
ment on  fuch  condud:  and  if  the  perfon  condemned  by  their  judg- 
ment, be  a  prefbyterian,  he  fhall  have  liberty,  to  appeal  to  the 
Prefbytery;  if  a  congregationalift,  he  fhall  have  liberty  to  appeal 
to  the  body  of  the  male  communicants  of  the  church;  in  the  former 
cafe  the  determination  of  the  Prefbytery  fhall  be  final,  unlefs  the 
church  confent  to  a  further  appeal  to  the  Synod  or  to  the  General 
AfTembly;  and  in  the  latter  cafe,  if  the  party  condemned  fhall 
wifh  for  a  trial  by  a  mutual  council,  the  caufe  fhall  be  referred  to 
fuch  council.  And  provided  the  faid  ftanding  committee  of  any 
church,  fhall  depute  one  of  themfelves  to  attend  the  Prefbytery, 
he  may  have  the  fame  right  to  fit  and  aft  in  the  Prefbytery,  as  a 
ruling  elder  of  the  Prefbytcrian  Church. 

On  motion  refblved,  that  an  attefted  copy  of  the  above  plan 
be  made  by  the  ftated  clerk,  and  put  into  the  hands  of  the  delegates 
of  this  Afl*embly  to  the  General  Aflbciation,  to  be  by  them  laid 
before  that  body  for  their  confideration,  and  that  if  it  fhould  be  ap- 
proved by  them,  it  go  into  immedate  operation. 

The  AfTembly  proceeded  to  make  choice  of  delegates  from  this 
body,  to  the  General  Affociation  of  Connefticut  to  meet  at 
Litchfield,  on  the  third  Tuefday  of  January,  when  the  Revd. 
Doa.  M'Knight,  the  Revd.  Archibald  Alexander  and  John  B. 
Linn,  were  duly  chofcn,  and  the  ftated  clerk  was  direfted  to 
furnifh  them  with  an  attefted  copy  of  this  minute,  which  fhall  be 
their  commiffion  for  attending  on  the  duties  of  faid  appointment. 

A  letter  was  read  from  the  Revd.  Ira  Condit,  Ptefident,  and 
the  Revd.  Ifaac  Labagh  and  Wilhelmus  Etinge,  Clerks  of  the 
General  Synod  of  the  reformed  Dutch  church,  inclofing  an  ex- 
tra<fl  from  the  proceedings  of  that  body  refpefting  the  plan  of  in- 
tercourfe  and  correfpondence  between  the  General  AfTembly, 
the  AfTociate  reformed  Synod,  and  the  faid  General  Synod  of  the 
Dutch  church,  in  which  faid  Synod  exprcfs  a  refolution  not  to  con- 
cur in  the  abovementioned  plan. 

The  Prefbyteries  of  Winchefter,  Hanover  and  Lexington, 
agreeably  to  order  reported  their  opinion,  refpeding  the  conftitu- 


(      8      ) 

tlonal  alteration  propofed  by  the  AfTembly,  which  opinion  was^ 
that  the  faid  alteration  ought  to  be  made. 

The  Prefbytery  of  Newcaftle  reported  as  their  opinion  that  the 
faid  alteration  ought  not  to  be  made. 

The  Prelbyteries  of  New  Brunfwick  and  Ohio  reported,  that^ 
agreeably  to  order,  they  had  drawn  up  hiftories  of  their  relpediTC 
Prefbyteries,  which  were  produced  and  laid  on  the  table. 

Several  other  Prefbyteries  reported  that  they  had  made  confider- 
able  progrefs  in  compliance  with  faid  order — 

Ordered,  That  they  proceed  to  compleat  the  fame  as  foon  as 
convenient ;  and  that  all  the  Prefbyteries  who  have  not  attended 
to  faid  order  be  careful  to  forward  the  hiftories  which  they  were  di-^ 
refled  to  prepare,  to  the  next  General  AfTembly. 

On  motion,  refolvcd,  That  the  Affembly  will  proceed  on  Wcd- 
nefday  morning  next  to  enter  into  a  full  and  free  converfation  on 
the  ftate  of  religion  within  their  bounds. 

The  AfTembly  entered  into  a  free  converfation  on  the  ftate  of 
religion,  when  after  having  gone  through  the  fame,  Dr.  Wood- 
hull,  Mr.  M'Millan,  and  Mr.  Archibald  Alexander,  were  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  draw  up  a  general  ftatement  on  this  fubjecfb 
— who,  the  following  day  made  report,  which  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  as  follows  : 

The  AfTembly  having  heard  a  circumftantial  narrative  from  al- 
moft  every  one  of  its  members,  on  the  ftate  of  religion  in  his  own 
charge  and  in  other  places  to  which  his  obfervation  had  extendp'^* 
are  of  opinion,  that  in  general  the  caufe  of  religion  has  I'cen  pro- 
grefTive,  and  in  feme  places  eminently  fo.  In  Tome  places  infi- 
delity does  not  afTume  that  bold  and  threatening  afpe<5t  which  ife 
did  for  fome  years  pa(t,  but  feems  to  be  in  fome  meafure  abafhed 
and  difpofed  to  retire  into  its  former  ftate  of  concealment.  In 
fome  inftances  avowed  and  inveterate  enemies  to  chriftianity  have 
been  remarkably  converted,  and  have  become  to  all  appearance, 
fincere  and  lively  chriftians. 

From  many  of  their  churches  the  General  AfTembly  have  heard 
the  moft  pleafing  accounts  of  the  ftate  of  vital  piety.  Revivals  of 
a  more  or  lefs  general  nature,  have  taken  place  in  many  parts, 
and  multitudes  have  been  added  to  the  church.  In  the  northera 
and  eaftern  Prefbyteries,  there  appears  in  feveral  congregations,  a 
ferious  attention  to  the  great  things  of  religion ;  and  its  interefts 
appear  evidently  to  be  advancing.  In  feveral  of  their  churchess 
"  times  of  refrefhing  from  the  prefence  of  the  Lord"  have  been 
experienced.  Sinners  have  been  brought  to  repentance,  and  faints 
have  been  comforted  and  edified.  And  thefc  pleafing  appear- 
ances in  fome  inftances  ftill  continue.  From  the  weft  the  AfTem- 
bly have  received  intelligence  of  the  moft  interefting  nature.    On 


(      9      ) 

the  borders  of  Kentucky  and  T?nnefle,  the  influences  of  the  Spi- 
rit of  God  feem  to  have  been  manifefted  in  a  very  extradrdinary 
manner.  Many  circumftances  attending  this  work  are  unufual : 
And  though  it  is  probable  that  fome  irregularities  njay  have  taken 
place;  yet,  from  the  information  which  the  AfTeinbly  have  received, 
they  cannot  but  exceedingly  rejoice  in  the  abundant  evidence  given 
them  that  God  has  vifited  that  people,  and  pouied  out  his  Spirit 
remarkably  upon  them- 

In  the  middle  and  fouthern  Prefbyteries  appearances  are  not  fo 
encouraging.  For  though  in  fome  of  their  churches  religion  flou- 
rifties,  yet  in  many  others,  the  wife  and  foolifh  virgins  are  num- 
bering together ;  iniquity  abounds  and  the  love  of  many  waxes 
cold.  Ignorance,  vice  and  infidelity,  do,  in  many  parts  of  our 
country,  ftill  prevail. 

The  new  fettlements  on  our  frontiers  appear  very  defirous  to  have 
the  gofpel  preached  amongft  them,  and  out  miflionaries  who  have 
»ifited  them  do  not  appear  to  have  laboured  without  fuccefs.  Good 
impreffions  have,  not  unfrequently,  been  made,  and  churches  arc 
rapidly  forming,  which  will  foon  need  fettled  paftors. 

The  intelligence  which  the  Aflembly  have  received  from  the 
heathen  tribes  is  very  pleafing,  viz. 

That  there  is  amongft  them  a  willingnefs,  yea  an  ardent  defire,  to 
have  the  gofpel  preached  to  them  :  their  prejudices  feem  to  be  re- 
ni®vpcjj  and  many  important  obftacles  are  furoiounted.  Some  of 
their  chief  men  have  offered  to  commit  their  fons  to  Prefbyteries 
and  MifTionary  Societies,  in  order  that  they  may  be  inftrudled,  not 
only  in  the  arts  of  civilized  life,  but  alfo  in  the  principles  of  the 
chriftian  religion. 

The  profped  of  the  converfion  of  the  Indians  is  now  more  flat- 
tering than  it  has  ever  been  before.  The  wildernefs  already  be- 
gins to  bud,  and  it  is  hoped  will  foon  blofTom  like  the  rofe.  The 
folitary  cottage  of  the  wandering  favage  will,  the  AfTembly  truft, 
be  foon  gladdened  by  the  reception  of  tiie  glorious  Redeemer,  with 
whom  there  is  no  difference  between  the  Jew  and  Greek,  between 
the  barbarous  and  refined  ;  for  he  is  the  "  Saviour  of  all  men," 
and  the  "  propitiation  not  only  for  our  fins,  but  for  the  fins  of  the 
whole  world." 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  general  flatement  as  the 
refult  of  the  reports  made  by  the  agent  of  the  Aflembly  for  foli- 
citing  donations,  made  a  report,  which  was  read  and  approved  as 
follows: 

"  The  committee  appointed  to  draught  a  general  flatement  as  the 
refult  of  the  reports  of  the  agents  tor  foliciting  donations,  and 
propofe  the  proper  compenfation  to  be  made  to  the  agents  employ- 
ed in  this  bufinef»: 

%       B 


(        !(#      ) 

REPORT-— 

That  they  have  examined  the  accounts  of  the  agents,  and  dif- 
cover  no  errors  therein. 

That  the  amount  of  fubfcriptions  procured  and  reported,  is, 

Dh.  Cts.  D/s.  Cts. 

By  Mr.  Clark,         6869  47;  whereof  is  uncollciStcd,  523   25 

Dr.  Green,         4124  70;  Do.  1024  80 

Dr.  Tennent,       1476   iii;  Do.  37 

,,     ^    ,  00      £      1  whereof  the  whole 

Mr.  Cathcart,     1889  64;  j  j^^^  ^^^^  ^^jj^,^^^^ 


Whole  amount,  12,359  9^1     Uncolledled,  15 15     4 


In  addition  to  the  above  fum  mentioned  as  being  uncollefted, 
Mr.  Clark  ftates  that  there  are  fereralfums  (due  from  Springfield, 
Weflfield,  New  Providence,  Morriftown,  Mendham,  Allentov/n 
and  Boundbrook)  which  are  uncolleded,  but  as  there  has  been  no 
final  fettlement  of  their  fubfcriptions  and  he  is  not  in  pofleflion  of 
the  lifts,  the  amount  uncolledted  from  thofe  churches  cannot  now 
be  afcertained. 

The  compenfations  to  your  agents  are  to  be  deduced  from  the 
fubfcriptions  which  have  been  colledted.  In  confidering  thefe- 
your  committee  took  into  their  view  the  diftance  travel''"/  ^Y  the 
agents  refpedively,  the  nature  of  the  country  tlnuugn  which  they 
travelled,  whereby  their  labour  would  be  encreafed,  or  otherwife, 
the  expence  incident  to  diiFerent  routs,  and  other  circumftances; 
and  upon  the  whole,  arc  of  opinion  that  the  following  allowances 
ought  to  be  made  to  the  agents,  m  full  for  their  time,  fervices  and 
expences,  viz. 

DIs.   Cts.  Dh.     Cts. 
To  Mr.  Clark,         ...  250       o 

Mr.  Cathcart,  -  -  J50     o 

Dedui^l:  charged  by  him  for  his  ex- 
pences and  dedu(5led  from  his  account 
of  coUeflions,  -  -  65   63 

Balance  to  be  paid  Mr.  Cathcart. 84     37 

To  Dr.  Tennent,  -  -  100     O 

Deduft  his  expences  being  deduct- 
ed by  him  from  his  account  of  colled- 
ions,  -  -  -  35     o 

Balance  to  be  paid  Dr.  Tennent.  . (>$     ^ 

To  Dr.  Green,  -  -  -  5©     ° 


(  II  ) 

upon  thefe  principles  the  account  will  ftand  as  follows,  viz. 
Lr.      The  Tnijlees  of  the  Affhmlly,  Cr. 

Dls.  Cts.  Dh.     Cts. 

To  amount  of  compen-1  By  amount  of  1  ^ 

fatiuns  to  the  agents,         J     ^^  fubfcriptions,    \       '^^^  ^    * 

To  amount  of  fubfcrip-1       „  By  Ditto   of'} 

tioiis  uncollededasabove,  J    ^   ^  ^  Springfield&c.  J 
Balance  due  the  Truflees. 

The  committee  would  do  injufHce  both  to  the  merits  of  the  a- 
gents,  and  their  own  feelings,  were  they  not  to  add,  that  from  the 
accounts  and  reports  laid  before  them,  it  appears  evidently  that 
the  gentlemen  to  whom  the  bufinefs  of  procuring  fubfcriptions  was 
committed,  have  profecuted  it  with  fuch  commendable  attention, 
diligence  and  zeal  as,  befides  the  pecuniary  allowance  propofed, 
juftly  entitle  them  to  a  reward  niore  grateful  to  generous  minds — 
the  thanks  of  this  Affembly." 
June  I,    i8ci. 

The  report  of  the  committee  to  prepare  a  flatement  from  the  a- 
gents  of  the  lafl:  year  and  to  fettle  the  compenfations  of  the  fame,  was 
again  taken  up  and  reconfidered,  two  thirds  of  the  Affembly  a- 
gieeing  to  it;  when  the  farther  fum  of  one  hundred  dollars  was 
added  to  the  compenfation  of  Mr.  Clark. 

On  motion,  refolved.  That  the  ftated  Clerk  and  Treafurer  of 
the  Affembly.  with  Mr.  Hazard,  be  a  committee  to  add  to  the 
printed  extradls  fuch  ftatements  of  the  fubfcriptions  lately  received, 
as  the  materials  in  their  hands  may  enable  them  to  make,  and  they 
may  judge  proper. 

A  LIST  OF  SUBSCRIPTIONS 

For  gospeUzmg  the  Indians,  and  for  other  pious  uses,  proposed  by 
the  General  Assembly  ;   so  far  as  rtturns  have  been  received. 

New  York, 

Newark, 

Elizabethtown, 

Orange  Dale, 

Connedticut  Farms, 

Springfield, 

Weftfield, 

New  Providence, 

Morriftown, 

Carried  over.  , 3,75^  87 


Dolls. 

Cts. 

2276 

87 

642 

31 

316 

60 

123 

114 

74 

140 

60 

68 

75 

27 

105 

C      12      ) 


Brought  forward, 

Dolls. 

Cts. 

Mendum, 

130 

Hanover, 

17 

15 

South  Hanorer, 

IC9 

H 

Raway, 

22 

'"S 

Wood  bridge, 

124 

Metuchen, 

200 

Lamington, 

s6i 

50. 

Bafkenridge, 

«34 

25 

Boundbrook, 

H5 

s 

New  Brunfwick, 

3*9 

25 

Kingfton, 

132 

50 

Princeton, 

287 

90 

Students  of  New  Jcrfcy  College, 

151 

Maidenhead, 

75 

25 

Trenton, 

230 

75 

Trenton  ift  Church, 

70 

20 

Pennington, 

III 

Nottingham, 

73 

AUerjtown, 

77 

56 

Cranberry, 

HS 

50 

Freehold, 

107 

Shrewfbury, 

49 

53 

Middletown  Point, 

41 

50 

Congiegations  under  the  care  of  1 
the  Revd.  Dr.  Tennent,       J 

104 

50 

Newton  and  Benfalem, 

«4 

4 

Philadelphia, 

J  ft  Prefbyterian  Church,  200 ' 

«d       1)0.              Do.    1396   . 

1896 

3d      Do.             Do.      300. 

Lancafter, 

i6r 

Donnegal, 

34 

50' 

York  and  Hopewell, 

114 

25 

C^lifle, 

III 

20 

Sherman's  Valley, 

70 

Upper  Connecocheague 

67 

20 

Marfh  Creek, 

65 

Lower  Do. 

46 

62 

Big  Spring, 

41 

50 

Mon-ohan  and  Silver  Spring, 

43 

oring. 

42 

50 

pring. 

37 

80 

rried  over. 

3'794  87 


9,769  85 


(  n 


Brouoht  forward, 

9.769  S3 

Dolls. 

Cts. 

Tufcarora,  Sec, 

21 

Piny  Creek, 

»7 

98 

Harrifburgh, 

16 

50 

Chamberfburgh, 

J5 

Lower  Cannachochy, 

5 

Hanover, 

10 

Wilmington,  (Del.) 

li\  Prefbyterian  Church,      lOo' 
2d       Do.            Do.           38. 

138 

New  Caftle, 

90 

Chriftiana  Bridge, 

56 

37 

Ct  George's, 

^'3 

50 

Pencader, 

45 

50 

Sundry  places, 

28 

Dover  and  its  vicinity, 

110 

9 

Kent  and  Suflex, 

31 

Somerfet  and  Do. 

3^6 

35 

Somerfet, 

ICI 

62i 

Worcefter, 

231 

18 

St.  George's  Hundred, 

20 

Other  places  in  Delaware, 

8c 

Baltimore  City, 

336 

Annapolis, 

109 

75 

City  of  Walhington, 

109 

6 

Alexandria, 

103 

50 

Frederick, 

61 

2S 

Georgetown, 

30 

A  Gentleman  from  Cape  May, 

4 

66 

A  Gentleman  of  the  Proteilanti 

Epifcopal   Church,  in  South  > 

ICO 

Carolina,                                  _  1 

Donations  from  fundry  individuals. 

100 

t,590    9f 

The  committee  appointed  to  enquire  of  the  Treafurcr  of  the 
General  AfTembly  what  had  been  done  with  refpc<5t  to  certain  co- 
pies of  the  Confeflions  of  Faith  ordered  to  be  fent  by  him  to  the 
frontier  fettlements,  reported,  that  it  appears  that  faid  books  have 
been  difpofed  of  agreeably  to  order,  viz. — 100  copies  of  the  Con- 
feffion  of  Faith,  and  50  copies  of  the  printed  extrads  of  the  Aflem- 
bly's  proceedings,  were  fent  to  James  Hathaway,  Efq.  at  Fort 
Stanwix :  The  fame  number  of  Confeflions  and  extradls  to  MeiTrs. 


(  H  ) 

Evans  and  Gordon,  at  Geneva :  50  copies  of  the  ConfeiHon  of 
Faith  and  3c  of  the  printed  extrafts,  to  Dr.  John  Hopkins,  at 
Tioga  Point:  The  fame  number  of  each  to  Matthias  HollenbcLck, 
Efq.  of  Wilkefharre  :  and  40  copies  of  the  extracts  to  the  Licvd, 
Mr.  Ferine  :  That  fonie  of  the  faid  copies  have  been  received  by 
the  perfons  to  whom  they  were  fent,  and  it  is  wncertain  whether 
the  others  have  been  received  or  not. 

The  AfTembly  refumed  the  confideration  of  the  communication 
from  the  Traftees  of  the  General  AfTerably,  and  having  gone 
thro'j.gn  the  fame,  thereupon  refolved, 

:.  That  the  monies  obtained  in  confequence  of  the  fyftem 
adopted  by  the  Aflemb'y  of  the  lad  year,  for  foliciting  contribu- 
tions for  the  fupport  of  million aries,  and  for  other  objeds  fpecified 
in  their  aft,  and  all  fuch  monies  as  may  be  hereafter  received  for 
the  fame  objefis,  (except  the  cuftomary  annual  colleiflions,  which' 
it  is  hoped  will  ftill  continue  to  be  made  as  ufual)  be  regarded  as 
a  capital  ftock,  which  fhall,  at  no  time,  be  broken  in  upon  or  di- 
miniihed ;  and  that  it  be  veiled  agreeably  to  a  recommendation 
herein  after  made,  in  fecure  and  permanent  funds. 

2.  That  the  intereli:  only  ariling  from  the  capital,  together  with 
the  annual  colledlions,  and  other  donations,  made  with  the  exprefs 
fisfign  of  their  being  expended  within  the  year,  be  employed  in 
iupporting  miffionaries,  in  propagating  thegofpel  among  the  Indi- 
ans, inftrufling  the  black  people,  and  in  purchafing  pious  books  to 
be  diftributed  among  the  poor,  or  in  maintaining,  when  the  Af- 
fcmbly  fhall  think  tiiemfelves  competent  to  the  objed.  Theological 
Schools,  and  for  fuch  other  pious  and  benevolent  purpof*^"  '^'^  ^^Y 
hereafter  be  deemed  expedient. 

3.  That  for  farther  augmenting  the  funds  of  the  corporation, 
a  foundation  for  which  is  already  fo  happily  laid,  it  is  hereby  ear- 
refllv  recommended  to  the  feveral  Prelb3ftt;rics  under  the  care  of 
the  AlTembly,  except  v/here  agents  are  appointed  by  the  Affembly, 
to  take  effedual  order,  by  appointing  agents  or  otherwife  as  to 
l!;eni  fiiall  feem  moft  expedient,  for  obtaining  from  all  the  congre- 
<'ations  within  their  bounds,  whether  vacant  or  fupplicd  with  paf- 
tors,  and  as  far  as  poffible  from  each  perfon  belonging  to  our  com- 
munion, as  well  as  from  perfons  belonging  to  other  denominations 
who  may  be  difpofed  to  favour  the  objedts  conteniplated,  (except 
thofe  who  have  already  contributed)  iuch  voluntary  contributions 
as  God  may  put  into  their  hearts  to  make  ;  and  of  their  fidelity 
and  fuccefs  herein  to  render  an  account  to  the  next  General  Af- 
femb'y.  And  in  addition  to  the  arrangement  here  fpecified,  this 
Aifembly  determine  to  appoint  an  agent  or  agents  to  folicit  donati- 
ons in  places  where  the  Order  of  our  church  is  not  fully  eflablilhed, 
(>:  wh-rre  tliere  is  a  profoed  of  obtaining  aid  to  funds  appropriated 


(     15     ) 

to  objedls  fo  important  to  the  interefts  of  religion  and  good  morals, 
as  thofe  to  which  the  funds  contemplated  are  deftined.  And  that 
it  be  referred  to  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  and  the  Synod  of  the  Ca- 
rolinas,  to  confider  whether  it  be  moft  advifeable  that  the  miiTion- 
ary  bufinefs,  as  it  has  refped  to  the  Synod  of  the  Carolinas,  and  the 
Synod  of  Virginia,  be  conduced  in  future  in  the  manner  in  which 
it  has  been  for  fome  time  paft,  or  whether  it  would  not  be  more 
advifeable  that  their  funds  fiiould  be  put  into  thofe  of  the  General 
AfTembly,  and  the  millionary  bufinefs  in  thofe  parts  wholly  ma- 
naged by  them,  and  that  the  faid  Synods  report  on  this  fubjeifl:  to 
the  next  AfTem.bly. 

4.  That,  in  order  to  encourage  farther  contributions  for  the  pi- 
ous ends  heretofore  mentioned,  and  to  fatisfy  the  public  mmd  with 
regard  to  the  wife  and  faithful  application  of  the  monies  already 
obtained,  the  AfTembly  will  publiOi  yearly,  along  with  their  print- 
ed extra(5ts,  a  full  and  particular  account  of  all  the  contributions 
received,  and  of  all  appropriations  made. 

5.  That  there  be  made  a  purchafe  of  as  many  che-ip  and  pious 
books  as  a  due  regard  to  the  other  objeds  of  the  AfTembly's  funds 
will  admit,  with  the  view  of  diftributing  them  not  only  along  the 
frontiers  of  thefe  States,  but  alfo  among  the  poorer  clafTes  of  peo- 
ple, and  the  blacks,  or  wherever  it  is  thought  ufeful :  which  books 
fhall  be  given  away,  or  lent,  at  the  difcretion  of  the  diftributor  ; 
and  tlittt  there  be  received  from  Mr.  Robert  Aitken,  towards  the 
difcharge  of  hlo  debt,  books  to  fuch  amount  as  fhall  appear  pro- 
per to  the  Truf}ees  of  the  AfTembly,  who  are  hereby  requefled 
to  take  proper  meafures  for  the  diftribution  of  the  fame. 

6.  That  the  funds  v/hich  are  at  prefent  in  the  hands  of  the  cor- 
poration be  emploj'ed  principally  in  encreafing  the  number  of  mif- 
fionaries  and  extending  the  bleffings  of  the  gofpel  by  their  labours 
through  a  greater  fcope  of  country. 

7.  That  in  order  to  attain  one  important  objed  of  the  contribu- 
tions (the  inftrudion  of  the  blacks,)  Mr.  John  Chavis  a  black 
man  of  prudence  and  piety,  who  has  been  educated  and  licenfed 
to  preach  by  the  Prefbytery  of  Lexington  in  Virginia,  be  em- 
ployed as  a  miiTionary  among  people  of  his  own  colour,  until  the 
meeting  of  the  next  General  AfTembly ;  and  that  for  his  better 
direcftion  in  the  difcharge  of  duties  which  are  attended  with  many 
circumftances  of  delicacy  and  difficulty,  fome  prudential  inOruc- 
tions  be  ifTued  to  him  by  the  AfTembly,  governing  himfelf  by  which, 
the  knowledge  of  religion  among  that  people  may  be  made  more 
and  more  to  ftrengthen  the  order  of  fociety:  And  the  Rev,  MefTrs. 
Hoge,  Alexander,  Logan,  and  Stephenfon,  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  draught  inftrudions  to  faid  John  Chavis,  and  pre- 
fcribe  his  route. 


(     i6     ) 

8.  That  the  General  A/Ternbly  may  b;  regularly,  and  as  cont* 
pletely  as  polTible,  pofTefTed  of  all  the  information  requifite  to  di- 
re<5l  their  proceedings  in  the  great  work  of  extending  religious  in- 
ftru(5lions  to  the  uninilru^led  parts  of  our  country — Refolved,  that, 
in  place  of  all  other  reports  required  of  Preftyteries  refpeding  the 
articles  herein  after  enumerated,  it  be  enjoined,  and  it  is  hereby 
enjoined  on  all  the  Prefbyteiies  under  the  care  of  this  General  Af- 
fcmbly,  carefully  to  inform  themfelves,  and  to  inftruA  their  dele- 
gates to  the  next  Genera!  AfTernbiy  to  report  to  that  body,  on  the 
following  fubje(fVs ; 

(i.)  Refpefling  the  Indian  tribes  on  our  frontiers  :  their  appa- 
rent difpolition  for  civilization,  and  for  receiving  religious  inftruc-' 
tion — what  means  may  have  been  ufed  with  them,  and  the  fuccefs 
of  thofe  means  from  time  to  time. 

(2)  Refpeding  our  frontier  fettlement  of  white  people  ;  giving 
every  information  of  thefe  fcttlements,  which  maybe  of  ufe  to  di- 
re&.  in  carrying  on  miilionary  labours  amongft  them,  pointing  out 
particularly  thofe  parts  to  which  ieligious  books  (hould  be  fent,  for 
gratuitous  diihibution,  and  the  perfons  in  or  near  to  thofe  parts,  to 
wliofe  care  faid  books  fhould  be  fent. 

(3.)  Refpefling  thofe  parts  in  the  interior  of  our  country,  that 
are  in  a  great  degree,  or  wholly  de(titute  of  the  means  of  re- 
ligious inlirudion — giving  as  familiar  a  view  of  fuch  deflitute  por- 
tions of  our  country  as  may  be  of  any  ufe  in  directing  the  mode  '>^ 
giving  them  relief,  and  the  extent  of  the  relief  requ'i^^^'  Alia 
pointing  out  to  what  paits,  and  to  what  pcrfuns,  m  or  near  thofe 
parts,  religious  books  fhould  be  fent  for  oratuitous  diftribution. 

(4.)  Refpefling  tlie  b!,;ck  people,  ddlgnating  particularly,  the! 
places  where,  and  the  in.inncr  m  which  it  would  be  moft  advifea- 
ble  to  attempt  their  infb.i."5\ion,  by  the  aid  of  our  publi.c  funds. 

(■5.)  That  the  ref^jedive  Piefbyteries  alfo  report  to  the  next 
AfTernbiy  all  fuch  perfons  under  tlioir  care  as  are  proper  to  be  em- 
ployed,  and  may  be  procured  to  fcrvc  as  miflionaries  to  the  Indian 
tribes — to  the  frontier  fsttlemcnts — to  the  deftitute  portions  of  the 
interior :  And  th^t  they  be  efpc:i;illy  careful  to  report  none  for 
thefe  fervices  but  t'iofo  of  whole  uieetnefs  for  the  woik  they  have 
entire  fatisfaction. 

The  report  of  the  committee  of  millions  Was  again  taken  up  and 
coniidercd,  when  the  following  fhttement  and  recommendations, 
as  the  rcfult  of  the  journals  read  by  the  miffionarles,  were  received 
and  adopted,  vi",. 

That  from  their  journals  it  appears  that  the  mifiionaries  proceed- 
ed on  the  refpetlive  routes  prefcribcd  to  them  by  the  laft  General 
Affembly,  and  that  they  hare  been  diligent  and  laborious  in  dif- 
chargingtheilutivis  of  their  millions— they  have  preached  the  gof- 


(     '7     ) 

^cl  in  feafon  and  out  of  feafon,  and  often  to  folemn  aflemblies.  They 
have  in  feveral  inftanccs,  adminiftered  the  Lord's  fuppcr,  and  bap- 
tized numbers  of  children  and  feveral  adults.  Theyhave  vifited  from 
houfe  to  houfe,and  converfed  with  families  and  individuals  on  ferious 
and  religious  fubjet'ts.  There  is  a  folemn  and  increafing  attention  to 
the  great  realities  of  religion,  in  many  parts  of  the  country  through 
which  they  have  travelled.  Numbers,  fince  the  laft  year,  have  been 
added  to  the  communion  of  the  church.  On  the  whole,  your 
committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  profpedl  of  ufefulnefs  in  profecut- 
ing  the  niiffionary  bufinefs  is  ftill  increafing.  There  are  many 
towns  on  the  frontiers  which  appear  to  be  able  to  fupport  the  ftated 
miniftrations  of  the  gofpel,  among  which  the  following  appear  to 
demand  particular  attention — Wyoming,  Newtown,  Aurelius, 
Milton,  Homer,  Bloomfield,  and  Charleftown,  each  able  to  fup- 
port  a  fettled  paftor  ;  Bath  and  Poft-town,  united  ;  Lackawack, 
in  connexion  with  Canaan  and  Cherry-Ridge  ;  Hartford  and  Ge- 
neffee,  united;  Romulus  and  Wafhington,  united;  Sachequin  and 
Tioga  Point,  united. 

The  country  of  the  Natchez  appears  to  demand  the  particular 
attention  of  the  AfTembly.  The  mlffionary  fent  thither  by  the  laft 
Aflembly,  and  thofe  who  were  fent  with  him  by  the  Synod  of  the 
Carolinas,  performed  the  fervice  to  which  they  were  appointed, 
■with  great  judgment,  diligence  and  fuccefs  ;  and  a  door  feems  to 
he  happily  opened  for  publishing  the  true  gofpel  in  a  country  lately 
deftitute  of  it. 

The  committee  think  it  of  high  Importance  that  the  miffion  to 
the  faid  country  be  continued."* 

The  committee  take  the  liberty  to  fuggeft  the  propriety  of  en- 
joining upon  all  the  miffionaries  employed  by  the  Aflembly,  to  in- 
culcate upon  thofe  fettlements  which  they  vifit,  the  importance  of 
fettling  the  gofpel  miniftry  among  them,  and  that  they  alfo  urge 
upon  all  the  frontier  fettlements,  and  efpecially  upon  thofe  above 
mentioned,  the  neceflity  of  contributing  to  the  fupport  of  thofe  mi- 
nifters  who  are  fent  among  them  by  the  Aflembly.  The  commit- 
tee would  farther  recommend,  that  milTionaries  be  inftruftcd  to 
enquire  particularly  after  the  fmall  fettlements  which,  on  account 
of  their  oblcurity  or  infancy,  may  have  been  hitherto  overlooked 
and  negledled  by  former  miflionaries,  and  that,  unlefs  otherwife  di- 
refled  by  the  fbted  miflionary,  they  defignate  to  themfelves  conve- 
nient circuits,  comprehending  feveral  fettlements,  in  which  they 
may  fucceflively  and  repeatedly  preach  and  perform  other  minifte- 
rial  duties  ;  and  that,  in  all  places  where  they  travel,  they  fliall 
fpend  as  much  time  as  poCible  in  vifiting  from  houfe  to  houfe,  and 

•  See  Appendix. 


(      >8     ) 

c6nvei(i iig  A^^ith  individuals  on  the  moH:  important  fubjcdts  of  praifti-* 
Gal  religion." 

The  Revd.  Peter  Fifli,  of  the  Prefbytery  pf  Albany,  was  ap- 
pointed a  miffionary  for  fix  months,  in  the  country  of  Oneida  and  its 
vicinity.  The  Revd.  Robert  H  Chapman  was  appointed  a  mif- 
fionary, for  two  months,  on  the  Sufquehannah,  from  Salem  to 
Safhequin,  inclufive.  And  the  Revd.  Jonas  Goes  was  appoint- 
ed a  miffionary  for  fix  weeks,  on  the  weft  fide  of  Lake  Champlain, 
and  fuch  other  fettlements  as  he  may  think  proper  to  vifit. 

The  Revd  Mr.  Hillyer  was  appointed  mifiionary  on  the  fron- 
tiers, for  two  or  three  months  ;  to  take  that  route  which  Mr.  Hill- 
yer, by  and  with  the  advice  of  the  ftated  miifionary,  fhali  judge 
mofl;  ufeful. 

The  Revd.  Mr.  Alexander  was  appointed  a  miffionary  for  fix 
months,  in  Virginia,  and  in  the  State  of  Georgia,  at  fuch  time 
and  in  fuch  a  manner  as  the  ftate  of  his  health  will  admit ;  and  be 
was  alfo  appointed  to  folicit  donations  for  the  ufe  of  the  General 
Affembly. 

The  Revd.  Mefirs.  Logan  and  Grigfby  were  appointed  miffion- 
aries  for  two  months,  to  itinerate  through  the  lower  part  of  Virgi- 
nia, and  alfo  to  folicit  donations. 

The  Revd.  Mr.  Janeway  was  appointed  a  miffionary  for  two 
months,  in  the  Peninfula  between  the  Delaware  and  Chefapeake 
Bays,  at  difcretion. 

And  the  Affembly  recommend  to  the  Pre{byte.-r  ^^  ^ew  Caftle, 
to  fend  one  or  two  more  miffionarics  into  the  fame  diftri<5t  of  coun- 
try, for  fome  months  during  the  prefent  year  ;  and  if  poffible,  fuch 
miffionarics  as  might  be  likely  to  fettle  as  paftors  of  congregations. 

The  Affembly  earneftly  recommend  it  to  the  Synod  of  the  Ca- 
folinas,  to  fend  one  or  more  miffionaries  to  the  Natchez,  the 
enfuing  fall ;  and  the  Affembly  did  engage  to  affift  in  making 
compenfation  for  the  fame,  if  the  funds  of  the  Synod  fliould  be 
inadequate  for  the  purpofe. 

Relolved,  that  the  compenfation  to  miffionaries  for  the  prefent 
year  be  33-'  dollars  per  month,  and  that  they  account  for  all  the 
monies  received  by  them. 

The  comn)iffion  of  the  Synod  of  Virginia,  on  the  weft  fide  of 
the  Alleghany  Mountains,  reported,  that  during  the  laft  year, 
they  fent  out  fix  miffionaries,  two  to  Detroit,  who  reported  fa- 
vourably of  the  difpofition  of  the  people  there  to  receive  the  gof- 
pel.  They  have  met  with  a  young  Indian,  who  exprefs'd  a  great 
dcfire  of  obtaining  learning,  whom  they  brought  with  them  on 
their  return,  and  who  now  appears  to  be  ferioufly  exercifed  about 
the  great  concerns  of  his  immortal  foul. 

Two  others  were  fent  to  Cornplanter,  chief  of  the  Seneca's;  he 
feceivcd  them  kindly,  and  it  is  expeded  that  fome  of  his  young 


(     19     ) 

people  will  come  in  during  the  enfuing  fuminer,  in  order  to  be  in- 
ftrudted. 

'  Two  others  were  fent  to  the  fettlements  on  the  Muflcinguni.  In 
the  courfe  of  the  laft  winter  the  commiffion  opened  a  fubfcription, 
and  have  a  profpeft  of  obtaining  fomething  confiderable  for  the  fup- 
port  of  miffionaries  to  preach  the  gofpel  in  the  frontier  fettlements 
and  among  the  Indians. 

The  Synod  of  the  Carolinas  reported,  that  they  have  fent  two 
miflionaries  in  company  with  the  Revd.  James  Hall,  to  the  Nat- 
chez ;  and  that  they  have  enjoined  upon  the  refpedtive  Prefbyteries 
under  their  care,  to  make  every  poffible  exertion  to  raife  contribu- 
tions for  the  fupport  of  thefe  miflionaries. 

The  Aflembly  proceeded  to  appoint  agents  for  folieiting  farther 
donations  for  aiding  the  funds  of  the  corporation,  when  the  Revd. 
Dr.  Cooper  and  the  Revd.  Mr.  Patteribn  were  appointed  to  foli- 
cit  donations  in  the  bounds  of  the  Prefbytery  of  Huntington,  and 
the  Revd  Robert  Smith  was  appointed  to  folicit  donations  for  the 
fame  purpofe  in  the  State  of  Georgia.  ^ 

The  Revd.  Mr.  Bogart  was  appointed  an  agent  to  folicit  dona- 
tions for  the  General  Aflembly,  within  the  bounds  of  the  Prefby- 
tery of  Long  Ifland. 

The  Revd.  Meflrs.  John  B.  Linn  and  Phillip  Milledoler,  were 
appointed  agents  in  connexion  with  Dr.  Green,  to  folicit  farther 
donations  for  the  General  Afl'embly  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia 
and  parts  adjacent,  and  the  Revd.  Mr.  Irwin  to  complete  the  bufi- 
ncfa  of  folieiting  donations  in  that  part  of  Mr.  Clarke's  diflirifb 
which  was  not  gone  through  by  him,  and  in  fuch  other  places  as 
Mr.  Irwin  may  judge  proper. 

A  complaint  and  appeal  of  the  Revd,  Thomas  Ledlie  Birch, 
againft  certain  proceedings  of  the  Preftjytery  of  Ohio,  in  the  cafe 
of  Mr.  Birch,  particularly  for  refufing  to  receive  him  as  a  member 
of  their  body,  on  the  ground  of  a  fuppofed  want  of  acquaintance 
with  experimental  religion,  together  with  a  reprefentation  of  the 
congregation  of  Wafliington  in  the  hounds  of  faid  Prefijytery,  on 
the  fame  fubjed,  was  brought  in  by  «he  committee  of  bills  and 
overtures.  On  motion,  refolved,  that  the  Aflembly  will  proceed 
on  Monday  morning  next,  to  hear  faid  complaint  and  appeal. 

The  Afl^embly,  according  to  the  refolution  of  Friday  laft,  pro- 
ceeded to  hear  the  complaint  and  appeal  of  the  Revd.  Mr  Birch, 
againft  the  Prefljytery  of  Ohio  with  refped  to  certain  proceedings 
in  his  cafe,  the  parties  being  heard  at  full  length  withdrew. 

The  Aflembly  refumed  the  confideration  of  the  complaint  and 
appeal  of  Mr.  Birch,  when,  after  mature  confideration  of  the  fub- 
jed, it  was  on  motion  refolved,  That  no  evidence  of  cenfurable 
proceedure  in  the  Preftjytery  of  Ohio,  in  the  cafe  of  Mr.  Birchj^ 


(       20       ) 

has  appeared  to  this  houfe,  inafmuch  as  there  Is  a  difcretionary 
power  neceflarily  lodged  in  every  Prefbytery  to  judge  of  the  quali- 
fication of  thofe  whom  they  receive,  efpecially  with  refpeft  to  ex- 
perimental religion  ;  but  the  AfTembly,  for  the  purpoie  of  aifording 
to  Mr.  Birch  every  relief  which  the  nature  of  the  cafe  admits,  did' 
determine,  if  it  is  his  defire,  to  proceed  to  his  examination,  agree- 
ably to  the  rules  of  the  Aflembly  in  fuch  cafes  made  and  provided. 
It  was  agreed  that  the  faid  examination  be  deferred  tilt  a  future 
feffion  of  the  Aflembly. 

Mr.  Birch  having  exprefled  a  defire  that  the  AfTembly  would 
undertake  his  examination,  agreeably  to  the  refolution  of  yefter- 
day  ;  the  Aflembly  proceeded  to  examine  Mr.  Birch  on  his  expe- 
rimental acquaintance  with  religion,  when,  after  a  full  and  free 
converfapon  with  him  on  this  fubjed,  the  Aflembly  adjourned. 

The  confideration  of  Mr.  Birch's  examination  was  refumed, 
when  after  maturely  deliberating  on  the  fnbjeft  it  was  refolved, 
that  from  the  full  and  free  converfation  which  the  Afl^embly  have 
had  with  Mr.  Birch  upon  his  experimental  acquaintance  with  re- 
ligion, they  find  no  obftruflion  againft  any  Preft)ytery  to  which  he 
may  apply  taking  him  up  and  proceeding  with  him  c.greeably  to  the 
rules  and  regulations  in  this  cafe  made  and  provided. 

Whereas  it  has  too  frequently  happened,  that  members  of  this 
Aflembly,  negleding  their  duty  and  inattentive  to  the  rules  of  de- 
corum, have  abruptly  left  the  Afl'embly  and  returned  home  without 
leave  of  abfence. 

RESOLVED— 

That  in  all  fimilar  cafes  which  fliall  occur  in  futu'^e,  it  fliall  be 
the  duty  of  the  clerk  of  this  houfe  to  give  notice  thereof  to  the 
Prefljyteries  to  which  fuch  delinquent  members  may  belong  And 
That  it  be  recommended  to  the  faid  Prefl)yteries,  in  their  fettle- 
ments  with  fuch  delinquents,  not  to  allow  them  any  compenfation 
for  fervices  as  members  of  the  AflTembly. 
RESOLVED— 

That  this  General  Afl^embly  be  diflblved,  and  that  the  next 
General  Alfembly  be  required  to  meet  in  the  firft  Prefl^yteriao 
Church  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  on  the  third  Thurfday  of  May, 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord  i  8oa,  at  1 1  o'clock  in  the  forenoon. 

Whereupon  the  moderator  diflblved  the  Aflembly  agreeably 
to  the  form  prefcribed  by  the  conlHtution,  and  concluded  with 
prayer. 


APPENDIX. 


{THE  Committee  appointed  to  puh'ish  the  extraBs  from  the  min- 
utes of  the  General  Asscmlly  for  the  present  year,  supposing  that  the 
readers  of  them  ivould  be  much  grattfied  by  a  sight  of  the  very  judic- 
ious and  sensible  y^ddress  made  by  the  Missionaries  to  the  Natchez,  to 
the  inhabitants  of  the  Mississippi  Territory,  have  thought  proper  to 
add  it  by  ivay  of  Appendix.  Should  any  think  that  evangelical  mo- 
tives have  not  been  sujlciently  suggested  in  it,  they  are  informed,  that 
the  state  of  society  in  that  country  is  such,  that  there  are,  comparatively, 
but  few  of  the  inhabitants  who  appear  to  have  just  ideas  of  the  moral 
influence  of  the  Gospel  on  the  human  heart,  and  therefore  that  such  an 
aadress  as  the  present,  ivas  better  calculated  than  one  of  a  different  na- 
ture, to  attrad  the  attention  of  those  to  whom  it  was  made,and  thus  pave 
the  way  for  the  more  easy  and  effeUual  admission  of  gospel  truth  ;  and 
that  this  was  assigned  by  the  Missionaries  themselves,  as  the  reason 
why  they  thus  construQed  it,  ] 


Sin  Sllitiress 

TO    THE 

Citizens  of  the  Mississippi  Territory, 

BY    THE 

MISSIONARIES 

FROM  THE  SOUTHERN  STATES. 

Friends  and  Fellow  Citizens, 

THE  united  principles  of  duty  and  grati- 
tude confpire  to  bring  forward  this  public  expreffion  of 
the  obligations  under  which  we  feel  ourfelves  to  you  for 
that  cordial  reception  you  have  given  us,  and  that  friendly 


(  2*  ) 

and  polite  attentipn  with  which  we  have  been  uniformly 
treated  fince  our  arrival  in  this  territory. 

Thefe  obligations  have  been  much  eniianced  by  the 
number  and  refpeclability  of  your  committee,  lately  con- 
vened in  this  place,  and  the  energetic  meafuves  v/hich 
they  have  adopted  and  recommended  to  their  conftitu- 
ents,  and  which,  we  hope,  under  the  divine  aufpices,  will 
give  energy  to  our  miniflrations. 

Under  thefe  impreffions,  and  confiding  in  your  good 
opinion  of  our  real  defire  to  promote  your  befl.  interefhs, 
we  hope  you  will  confider  us  as  engaged  in  the  difcharge 
of  our  minillerial  duty,  when  we  fuggeft  to  you  the  follow- 
ing confidcrations,  and  recommend  them  to  your  ferious 
perufal. 

The  experience  of  all  ages  has  proved,  that  principles 
either  of  honour,  patriotifm  or  private  intereft,  have  been 
too  capricious  in  their  nature,  as  well  as  too  feeble,  effeflu- 
ally  to  promote  public  utility  and  focial  happlnefs.  Thofe 
who  have  tried  principles  of  philofophy  have  not  been  more 
fuccefsful.  Hence  all  governments  in  civilized  nations 
have  made  it  their  bufinefs  to  inculcate  religion  on  their 
citizens,  as  well  with  a  view  to  the  interefl  of  the  public 
as  to  peifonal  happinefs. 

It  v/ould  be  little  better  than  an  infult  on  the  under- 
ftanding  of  a  people,  who  make  fuch  exertions  as  are  now 
making  in  this  territory  for  the  propagation  of  revealed 
religion,  to  bring  forward  to  their  view  proofs  of  its  divine 
authority. 

This,  therefore,  being  granted  as  an  acknowledged 
principle,  we  proceed  to  obferve,  that  whatever  is  con- 
ducive to  the  happinefs  of  the  focial  ftate  is  inculpated  ir\ 
the  facred  fcriptures. 

Let  the  molt  impartial  reafoner  take  a  view  of  the 
moral  law,  which  contains  an  epitome  of  thofe  duties 
which  we  owe  to  God  and  man,  and  he  will  acknowledge 
that  if  thofe  precepts  were  made  the  unerring  flandard  of 
eoadua  by  every  member  of  fociety,  this  would  tend  to 


(     23     ) 

univerfal  happinefs  and  good  order ;  and  would  entirely 
fupercede  the  neceflity  of  human  laws;  but  let  the  oppo- 
fite  line  of  condu£l:  be  adopted,  and  the  evident  confe- 
quences  would  be  diforder  and  mifery.  It  will  then  fol- 
low, that  to  make  the  facred  fcriptures  the  rule  of  condudl 
is  a  certain  way  to  enfure  focial,  as  well  as  individual  hap- 
pinefs. 

This  problem  then  requires  a  folution,  Why  is  that 
fyftem,  obedience  to  which  is  fo  eflentially  connedled  with 
human  happinefs,  not  more  generally  obferved  as  the 
rule  of  condudl  ?  Probably  no  better  reafon  can  be  afhgned 
than  want  of  reverence  to  its  divine  author.  Were  this 
divine  principle  duly  felt  and  cultivated,  we  fhould 
love  the  Lord  with  all  our  hearts — and  our  neighbours  as 
ourfelves.  Then  would  a  fenfe  of  the  divine  prefence,  of 
our  obligations  and  refponfibility  to  God,  be  conftant  and 
powerful  motives  to  deter  us  from  the  pradice  of  thofe 
crimes  which  the  word  of  God  forbids,  and  to  perform 
thofe  duties  which  it^enjoins.  This  is  laying  a  folid  and 
permanent  foundation  for  our  own  happinefs,  and  as  far 
as  the  conducl:  of  individuals  can  have  influence,  contri- 
buting to  the  public  intereft. 

No  faa  has  been  more  fully  demonftrated,  than  that 
human  laws  are  too  feeble  in  their  operations,  notwith- 
ftanding  all  that  terror  which  they  hold  oat,  to  reftrain 
the  corrupt  paffions  of  men,  and  fupprefs  thofe  crimes 
againft  which  they  denounce  even  capital  punifliment.— 
For  this  various  reafons  may  be  afligned want  of  abil- 
ity in  the  rulers  to  detea  crimes,  want  of  power  to  pun- 
ifli  offenders,  the  neceflity  which  fometimes  occurs  of  re- 
laxing the  rules  of  juftice  for  political  reafons,  partiality 
towards  culprits  &c.  by  all  of  which  many  grofs  and  ag- 
gravated crimes  efcape  deferved  punifliment.  But  none 
of  thefe  can  apply  to  Him  whofe  throne  is  founded  in 
judgment,  and  the  fceptre  of  whofe  kingdoms  is  an  un- 
tarniflied  fceptre  of  righteoufnefs.  None  can  elude  his 
fcrutiny  or  evade  his  power  j  for  he  fearches  the  heart 


(  M  ) 

and  tries  the  reins,  to  give  to  every  man  according  to  his 
ways,  and  according  to  the  fruit  of  his  doings.  Hence  it 
will  follow,  that  it  is  only  a  realizing  fenfe  of  the  univer- 
fality  of  God's  government,  our  obligations  to  obey  his 
laws  and-the  inflexibility  of  his  juftice,  which  can  give  fe- 
curity  for  good  morals,  and  enfure  perfonal  and  focial 
happinefs.  This  fenfe  is  infeparably  connected  with  the 
principles  of  religion,  and  will  influence  the  heart  and 
motives  of  action,  as  well  as  the  external  conduct. 

Befides,  the  principles  of  religion  will  prevent  many 
crimes  which  human  laws  cannot  reach,  fuch  as  ingrati- 
tude to  benefadtorsj  want  of  charity  to  the  poor,  difo- 
bedience  and  other  breaches  of  filial  duty  to  parents,  lux- 
ury and  prodigality  in  the  confumption  of  property,  many 
fpecies  of  frauds,  calumny,  games  of  hazard,  profanenefs 
&c.  together  with  intoxication,  and  many  other  crimes 
which  cannot  be  made  objedls  of  legillative  authority,  and 
yet  are  equally  deftruQive  of  perfonal  and  focial  happinefs, 
with  many  of  thofe  which  lie  within  the  fphere  of  legifla- 
ticn. 

When  crimes  of  whatever  fpecies  become  general,  they 
then  become  more  formidable  to  fociety  than  when  perpe- 
trated only  by  folitary  individuals  -,  becaufe  union  always 
gives  ftrength  to  a  party  in  proportion  to  its  number,  and 
among  crimes  of  this  defcription,  few,  if  any  have  a  worfe 
influence  on  fociety  than  thefe  three  :  The  breach  of  God's 
lioiy  fabbath,  profane  fwearing,  and  the  intemperate  ufe 
of  ardent  fpirits. 

A  few  words  on  each  of  thefe  will  be  fufHcient  to  Ihow 
their  pernicious  cfFc(Sts. 

A  difrefpedl:  to  the  duties  of  the  fabbath  is  an  indica- 
tion of  contempt  of  that  authority  which  has  commanded 
us  to  "  Remember  the  fabbath  day  and  keep  it  holy." — - 
And  as  this  precept  is  fpecially  directed  to  heads  of  fami- 
lies and  other  public  perfons,  thofe  in  fuch  departments 
vv-ho  countenance  a  breach  of  that  holy  day,  either  by  pre- 
cept, example,  or  even  connivance,  mull  be  mofl  culpa- 


(     i5     ) 

ble.  Hence  appears  the  duty  of  minifters  of  the  gofpel 
and  civil  magiftrates  j  as  the  former  are  fet  as  examples  for 
the  flock,  and  the  latter  as  a  terror  to  evil  doers  and  a 
praife  to  them  who  do  vi^ell ;  and  it  would  be  equally  pre- 
poflerous  to  fee  the  one  or  the  other  engaged  in  the  pro- 
fanation of  that  holy  day.  Befides,  the  vi'eekly  fabbath 
may  be  confidered  as  one  principal  pillar  of  revealed  reli- 
gion :  for  we  may  venture  to  aflert,  that  without  fuch  a 
periodical  day,  carrying  in  its  inftitution  the  ftamp  of  di- 
vine authority,  focial  public  worfhip  could  never  have  been 
kept  up,  and  with  that  mud  have  ceafed  the  other  ordi- 
nances of  the  gofpel ;  for  human  authority,  which  is  al- 
ways changeable  in  its  meafures,  would  never  have  had 
energy  enough  either  to  eftablifh  a  certain  dayj  or  a  cer- 
tain proportion  of  time  for  religious  exercifes.  It  will 
therefore  follow,  that  thofe  whofe  conduct  militates 
againft  the  force  of  the  above  precept,  militates  againfl 
the  whole  fyftem  of  revealed  religion  ;  and  we  have  rea- 
fon  to  believe,  that  to  this  very  fource  may  be  traced 
much  of  that  infidelity  which  now  prevails  in  the  world. 

Profane  fwearing  carries  in  its  front  the  mod  glaring 
evidences  of  an  abandoned  chara6ler,  hardened  in  impi- 
ety ;  as  it  fhows  a  total  irreverence  for  the  great  and 
dreadful  name  of  GOD,  and  contempt  of  his  authority  ; 
and  gives  an  indication  that  the  fwearer,  in  his  own  efli- 
mation,  has,  by  fome  means,  forfeited  his  right,  in  the 
view  of  his  auditors,  to  credibility  on  his  fimple  affirma- 
tion ;  therefore,  in  order  to  gain  credit  from  them,  he 
thinks  it  is  neceflary  to  call  upon  God  to  witnefs  the  truth 
of  his  aflertionsi  Such  a  line  of  conduft,  even  indepen- 
dently of  its  criminality,  muft  be  equally  degrading  to  the 
gentleman  and  the  chriflian. 

Befides,  oaths  being  a  part  of  that  religious  homage 
which  God  exclufively  claims  as  his  own,  profane  fwear- 
ing  tends  to  relax  their  obligation  by  deftroying  their  fo- 
lemnity,  and  weakening  that  confidence  which  one  part 
of  focicty  ought  to  repofe  in  another,  and  which  is  fo  in- 
D 


(  2^  ) 

difpcnfably  neceffary,  both  in  judicial  teftimony  and  the 
ufual  difcharge  of  fecial  duties.  Moreover,  it  may  be 
doubtful  whether  the  profane  fwearer  is  more  to  be  be- 
lieved when  he  is  called  to  take  a  judicial  oath,  than  when 
he  fwears  by  the  facred  name  in  common  convei  lation. 

Drunkennefs  is  the  parent  of  many  evils  both  natural 
and  moral.  How  many  ftrong  and  healthful  eonflitutions 
do  we  fee  broken  down  by  it  ?  How  many  ufeful,  public 
charadlcrs,  men  of  brilliant  talents,  improved  by  all  the  ad- 
vantages of  a  liberal  education  and  polite  literature,  who 
have  fpent  many  years  to  qualify  themfelves  for  ufeful  and 
honorable  departments,  have,  after  all,  debafed  themfelves 
by  that  abominable  vice  below  the  inferior  animals,  become 
(he  objedls  of  compaffion  to  all  around  them  who  poflefs 
humane  and  manly  feelings,  of  grief  to  their  connedlions 
and  derifion  to  the  rabble  of  the  flreets  ! 

How  much  poverty,  difcord  and  mifery,  do  we  fee  in 
many  families,  arifing  from  the  internperance  of  wretched 
fathers,  in  places  where  this  crime  predominates  ?  How 
unhappy  mull  the  fhate  of  that  family  be,  who,  inftcdd  oi 
meeting  the  fond  embraces  of  a  complacent  hufband  and 
father,  returning  from  abroad,  are  flruck  with  terror  at 
the  approach  of  a  favage  monder.  All  mud  toy,  foothe, 
flatter,  until  he  be  laid  to  fleep;  then  nothing  above  a  whif- 
per  muft  be  fpoken,  left  the  tyrant  be  roufed.  This  is 
but  a  faint  pi6lure  of  the  natural  evils  which  attend  this 
crime. 

No  lefs  numerous,  and  much  more  dreadful,  are  the 
moral  evils  with  which  it  is  attended. — Witnefs  the  quar- 
rels and  fightings,  the  vollies  of  oaths  and  fearful  impre- 
cations, together  with  the  horrid  profanations  of  the  fab- 
bath  j  yea,  many  cruel  and  aggravated  murders  and  other 
enormous  crimes,  which  may  be  traced  back  to  the  intem- 
perate ufe  of  fpiritous  liquors  as  their  origin. 

The  force  of  the  foregoing  obfervations,  it  is  prefum- 
ed,  muft  be  felt  even  by  thofe  who  make  no  pretenfions 
to  religion  ;  and  fuch  muft  acknowledge  the  truth  of  S'o- 


(     27     ) 

lemon's  observation,  that  "  righteoufnefs  exalteth  a  nation  j 
but  fin  is  the  reproach  of  any  people." 

"Were  it  pofiible  for  any  of  the  human  race  fo  far  to 
degrade  themfelves,  by  depraving  the  moral  principle,  as 
to  imagine  that  they  will  drop  into  non  exiftence  at  death, 
with  their  brute  animals  that  carry  them  to  their  fcenes  of 
debauchery,  even  they  mufl  acknowledge,  that  the  fober, 
temperate  man,  who  has  eflablilhed  fuch  a  charader  for 
veracity  tliat  his  word  is  believed  equally  with  his  oath, 
not  only  lives  the  mofl  happy  life  j  but  that  his  example,  as 
far  as  its  influence  extends,  has  vaftly  the  happieil  efFe£l 
on  fociety.  And  thofe  who  will  take  time  to  refleft,  that 
the  day  is  coming  "  in  which  all  who  are  in  their  graves 
fliall  hear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of  God,  and  fliall  come 
forth,  they  who  have  done  good  to  the  refurreOion  of 
life,  and  they  who  have  done  evil  to  the  refurre£lion  of 
damnation,"  muft  acknowledge,  that  thofe  who  have  de- 
nied themfelves  to  "  all  ungodlinefs  and  worldly  lulls,  and 
have  lived  foberly,  righteoufly  and  godly  in  the  prefent 
world,"   fliaU  finally  reap  the  advantage. 

The  above  confiderations,  dear  brethren,  are  afFe£li- 
onately  fubmitted  to  your  ferious  perufal,  under  the  per- 
fuafion  that  they  will  be  read  with  that  fpirit  of  candor 
and  brotherly  regard  with  which  we  are  confcious  they 
are  now  communicated  j  believing  you  will  join  with  us 
in  faying,  that  the  ways  of  piety  are  ways  of  pleafantnefs 
and  all  its  paths  peace.  Should  a  general  experiment  be 
made  among  you  on  this  divine  maxim,  you  may  be  af- 
fured  that  its  happy  effcds  will  foon  be  felt  both  by  indi- 
viduals and  focieties. 

Then  will  induftry,  frugality  and  fobriety,  together 
with  every  moral  and  chriftian  virtue  abound  among  you. 
Gaming  tables  will  not  be  known,  taverns  will  have  few 
unneceflary  vifitants.  The  Lord's  day  will  be  religioufly 
obferved,  his  churches  frequented,  and  the  gofpel  of  the 
holy  Jefus  cordially  embraced.  The  hearts  of  his  minif- 
ters  will  be  encouraged,  and  their  hands   ilrengthened. 


(     *8     ) 

Then  will  our  labours  be  comfortable  to  oUrfelves,  andj 
we  hope,  profitable  to  you.  "We  fhali  then  be  able  to 
give  a  favourable  report  of  the  religious  flate  of  your  ter- 
ritory, to  our  fathers  and  brethren,  who  have  fent  us  on 
fuch  an  arduous  miflion  ;  the  friends  of  religion  and  good 
morals  will  be  encouraged,  votaries  for  vice  will  become 
afhamedof  their  crimes  ;  and  even  (hould  they  continue  in 
the  practice  of  them,  will  retire  with  them  into  darknefs. 
The  minds  of  your  children  will  not  be  poifoned,  nor  their 
morals  corrupted,  by  fuch  pells  of  fociety  as  we  have  al- 
ready defcribed  ;  but  piety  and  virtue  will  predominate, 
**  judgment  fliall  run  down  as  waters,  and  righteoufnefs 
as  a  mighty  flream." 

That  piety  and  good  morals  may  abound  among  you, 
that  you  may  long  enjoy  the  blefhngs  of  peace,  and  be  fe- 
cured  in  the  pofleflion  of  your  civil  and  religious  rights, 
which  are  fo  dear  to  every  American,  is  the  unfeigned 
wifh  and  ardent  defire  of 

Dear  Brethren,  your  afFe£lionate  friends, 
and  fervants  in  the  gofpel, 

JAMES  HALL,  Jun. 
JAMES  BOWMAN, 
WILLIAM  MONTGOMERY. 

Natchezy  Feb.  20//>,  iSoi. 


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